Head of Pakistan Taliban says group will negotiate, but not disarm

Source :

Last Updated: Fri, Dec 28, 2012 11:00 hrs

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan, Dec 28 (Reuters) - The head of
Pakistan's Taliban said his militia is willing to negotiate with
the government but not disarm, a message delivered in a video
given to Reuters on Friday.

"We believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous,"
Hakimullah Mehsud said. "Asking us to lay down arms is a joke."

In the video, Mehsud sits cradling a rifle next to his
deputy, Wali ur-Rehman. Military officials say there has been a
split between the two men but Mehsud said that was propaganda.